English-language national news, explainers and fact checks.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu asked officials to deepen tech-driven governance and increase the use of AI tools to speed up grievance redressal. He also cited the state’s WhatsApp-based service delivery platform and pushed training and audits to support the shift.
As India moves from the Winter Session into the 2026 Budget Session, several high-stakes proposals—including the One Nation One Election plan—remain under committee review. The One Nation One Election bills are with a Joint Parliamentary Committee that has an extended deadline tied to the Budget Session timeline.
Mumbai Indians all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt struck an unbeaten 100 off 57 balls against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, becoming the first batter to score a WPL century. Mumbai posted 199/4 and won by 15 runs to stay in the playoff race.
India’s Eastern Naval Command says Visakhapatnam will host a rare triple convergence in 2026: the International Fleet Review, Exercise MILAN-26, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium conclave. The Navy expects participation from around 20 nations and says the events will highlight interoperability and maritime cooperation.
India marked its 77th Republic Day on 26 January 2026 with a high-security parade at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, combining military pageantry with cultural tableaux. European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attended as chief guests.
A minor in Mhow has tested positive for Hepatitis A as authorities continue surveys and water safety steps in affected areas. The episode follows ongoing concern in and around Indore over water quality and disease risk, with officials advising residents to rely on arranged tanker water in impacted localities.
India’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi drew international focus with visiting European leaders in attendance. The event combined military showcases, cultural floats and flypasts, while parallel parades were held across the country amid tight security.
India clinched the five-match T20I series against New Zealand after restricting the visitors to 153/9 and completing the chase in just 10 overs in Guwahati. Abhishek Sharma’s 20-ball 68* and Suryakumar Yadav’s 26-ball 57* powered a rapid win.
India marked its 77th Republic Day in New Delhi with a Kartavya Path parade that blended military display, cultural tableaux and a major theme: 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. International guests attended as the celebrations highlighted constitutional pride and citizen participation.
A flash PMI survey showed India’s private-sector activity picked up pace in January, supported by stronger new orders and improved demand. Firms stepped up hiring as both manufacturing and services expanded, keeping overall momentum firmly in growth territory.
On Republic Day 2026, political leaders in Uttar Pradesh framed the occasion as a pledge to protect the Constitution. Statements and ceremonies across parties highlighted constitutional ideals, unity and calls to defend democratic institutions.
An academic study released ahead of Budget 2026-27 argues India should raise public healthcare expenditure to counter rising medical costs and unequal access. The research analyses long-term drivers of health spending and highlights pressures on household out-of-pocket payments.